GENERAL44414 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

-ls- The Trinidad sandstone aquifer is recharged where it outcrops to the west of the permit area. The Trinidad dips toward the east in the region, where it becomes progressively deener. Wells developed down-dip in the Trinidad have relatively low yields. The coefficient of permeability is estimated to be Less than one darcy. Water quality is poor to fair and use is primarily for livestock watering. The Vermejo Formation, which conformably overlies the Trinidad sandstone, contains the coal seams which will be developed by the operation. This unit includes some thin lenticular sandstones which contain locally perched aquifers. Ground water discharges primarily in the form of seeps and springs in the Vermejo Formation. One well was identified by the applicant, which is possibly developed in the Vermejo. This well is situated down-dip of the mine, at the westernmost end of the permit boundary. A flow rate of one gpm has been measured for the well, and use is primarily for stock watering. The coefficient of permeability for the Vermejo Formation is estimated at less than one darcy. Water quality is generally good. Sun dance Coal Company has completed a spring and seep survey which includes the permit area and the adjacent area within a one mile radius of the permit boundary. Several springs and seeps were identified by the survey. Two springs were identified at the west and northwest sides of the permit area which could potentially be affected by the underground mining operation. One of these springs is located within the permit area. A11 of the accessible springs were sampled for water quality and flow rates were measured. Coal seams in the Vermejo Formation have been extensively mined in the region surrounding the proposed operation. The applicant reports that, on the basis of communications with qualified professionals who have had experience with mines in the area, no known ground water inflows have occurred in these mines. No ground water inflows are anticipated for this operation. The Raton Formation is the water-bearing unit which overlies the Vermejo Formation. Wells which have been developed in the Raton went dry within 60 to 90 days and have not been used since. One spring/seep area was identified by the survey which originates in the Raton Formation. water quality is generally good and the water is suitable for drinking. As mentioned previously, the applicant has sampled springs and seeps which were identified by the survey. Water quality and quantity has been character- ized by the applicant in Section 2.04.7(2) of the permit application. These are the only known discharges of ground water in the permit area. Further discussion of the potential impact of the operation on ground water in the area is given in Section IX of this Findings Document. The applicant is in compliance with the requirements of this section.